HS2 will aid regeneration

Published: 9 September, 2010

• IN the novel Dombey and Son, Charles Dickens likened the construction of the London and Birmingham railway through Camden Town to a “great earthquake”.

While the proposed High Speed 2 (HS2) railway line is already causing Dickensian tremors along its planned route, few, it seems, have mentioned the potential benefits HS2 could bring to Euston.

If HS2 is built the redevelopment of Euston station will present a golden opportunity to rejuvenate the area west of Euston and north to Camden Town.

The barrier effect of Euston and Hampstead Roads and the huge Ampthill and Regent’s Park estates, characterised by blocks and passageways, currently makes the area inaccessible and uninviting to most.

What is now required is a masterplan for the area taking into account the new HS2 terminal at Euston.

This could involve reinstating the Regent’s Canal to Cumberland Basin, rebuilding lost streets such as Ampthill Square and reviving old thoroughfares such as North Gower Street to enable new north-south routes to and from Euston.

The “softening” of Hampstead Road, on a par with architect Terry Farrell’s vision for Euston Road, would allow walking and cycling through the area with ease.

New footbridges over the rebuilt and expanded Euston station would create east-west pedestrian and cycling routes between Somers Town and Regent’s Park.

In effect residents and visitors alike will be able to travel more easily between Fitzrovia, Bloomsbury, St Pancras – King’s Cross, Somers Town, Regent’s Park and Camden Town.

A restored Doric Propylaea at Euston would make for a fitting entrance to the station and the area.

Just over a mile to the east, the St Pancras – King’s Cross station and Railway Lands redevelopments are proof that high-speed rail can help revive neglected London neighbourhoods.

New homes, offices, a university, open spaces and streets will bring new life and energy to this area, linking St Pancras – King’s Cross with Camden Town to the north, Islington to the east and Bloomsbury to the south.

With the arrival of HS2 and some imagination, Euston need not be the poor neighbour.

DANIEL CROWTHER
Brecknock Road, N19